Grand Loop Road, Yellowstone.

Ride.

Yellowstone’s Grand Loop Road is a stunning drive, showcasing a mix of breath taking landscapes, geothermal wonders, and wildlife. Spanning 142 miles in a figure-eight shape, it links many of the park’s iconic sights, making it an ideal route for first-time visitors to discover Yellowstone with ease.

Whether you’re planning a short visit or a longer adventure, driving the Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone National Park offers access to iconic geysers, stunning hot springs, breathtaking canyons, and peaceful valleys. This guide covers everything you need to know about exploring Yellowstone’s “Grand Loop,” including must-see stops, road conditions, and tips to make your trip unforgettable!

Grand Loop Road is a driving route through Yellowstone that connects the park’s most popular attractions and five entrances (North, Northeast, East, South, and West). The route is divided into two main sections: the Upper Loop and the Lower Loop. Together, these loops form a figure-eight route through the park called “The Grand Loop”.

Yellowstone’s Lower Loop

The Lower Loop is known for its geothermal features, including the Upper Geyser Basin (Old Faithful), the Midway Geyser Basin (Grand Prismatic Spring), and the West Thumb Geyser Basin (Yellowstone Lake). It also passes through beautiful valleys like Hayden Valley, one of Yellowstone’s best spots for wildlife watching.

Key attractions along Yellowstone’s Lower Loop include:

• Old Faithful Geyser: The world-famous geyser that erupts approximately every 98 minutes.
• Grand Prismatic Spring: The largest hot spring in the United States, known for its vibrant colors.
• Canyon Village: A breath taking canyon with stunning viewpoints, hiking trails, and the famous Artist Point Overlook.
• West Thumb Geyser Basin: A stunning collection of geysers and hot springs located on the shores of Yellowstone Lake.

Yellowstone’s Upper Loop

The Upper Loop is characterized by scenic driving and dramatic landscapes, such as the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. It is also home to Yellowstone’s Northern Range and Lamar Valley, the best and most consistent area for wildlife viewing in Yellowstone.

Key attractions along Yellowstone’s Upper Loop include:

• Mammoth Hot Springs: A series of limestone terraces that create a unique and beautiful landscape.
• Lamar Valley: A short detour from Yellowstone’s Upper Loop brings you to the world-famous Lamar Valley. Often called the “Serengeti of North America,” this area is one of the best places in the world to see wolves, bison, and bears, among other wildlife.
• Tower Fall: One of the best places to look for bears from mid-May through early June and home to a picturesque 132-foot waterfall tucked between towering rock formations.
• Dunraven Pass & Mountain Washburn: This is the highest point in the park and one of the most scenic areas, offering beautiful panoramic views and more great wildlife watching.